I write with deep sadness to inform you of the death of Mr. Crocker Curtis on June 12, 2015. Crocker was the beloved husband of the Rev. Sandra Curtis. Crocker is also survived by his daughter Sarah and son Walker.

I am happy to tell you that in 2014 we recorded the lowest decline of average Sunday attendance over the last fifteen years – just 1%. Three of our five Districts had positive growth last year, and many of our 31 smallest parishes (Family size churches) also had modest growth. Let me give you a little background of our journey in this part of God’s vineyard.

I ask you to prayerfully study this resolution and consider joining me in journeying as a diocese toward a holy place of repentance for the sin of racism, and our religious, economic and psychological complicity to this problematic worldview. I ask you to join me in moving to a place of clarity where these baser human proclivities are opposed, and overcome in our time in the ancient and modern expressions of slavery that continue to thrive in several pockets world. I invite you to save the date for two special events in November: an agape supper on Friday evening, November 13 and a liturgy of repentance, healing and reconciliation on November 14 morning.